Sefko: Why I think Mavericks will get No. 8 spot; Dallas will make big run at Luol Deng

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Tony Dejak/AP

Cleveland Cavaliers' Luol Deng, right, from Sudan, looks for help under pressure from Dallas Mavericks' Jose Calderon, left, from Spain, during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Monday, Jan. 20, 2014, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Mavericks beat writer Eddie Sefko answered questions in a live chat. Here are some highlights.

Question: C: Emeka Okafor, Samuel Dalembert

PF: Dirk Nowitzki,

SF: Luol Deng

SG: Monta Ellis

PG: Jose Calderon

I like to see this starting lineup next season? What you think Eddie?

Eddie Sefko: I'd rather see Gortat or Hawes at center. I'm not sure what Okafor has left and whether or not he's a fix at that position. Deng is not a given. But I do think the Mavericks make a big run at him

Question: If this team wins 50 games and doesnt make the playoffs, I'm going to lose it. At the same time, do they even deserve to make it with the way they defend (26th in points allowed) and rebound (21st)?

Eddie Sefko: First off, if they win 50 games, they'll make the playoffs. That means they'd go 6-2 the rest of the way and at least one of those wins would have to come against Memphis, Phoenix or Golden State. Probably two of the wins would come against that threesome. They would have the tiebreaker against Phoenix (again, with a win on April 12) and Memphis. Could also have it against GS. So win 50 and your in. In fact, I think 49 probably gets it done. All of these teams have warts and are susceptible to losses they don't expect. They also can win a game they aren't expected to. That's life in the West this year.

Question: Okay, you can only pick 2 to make it and 1 to miss. Who will be the 7 and 8 seeds in the West out of Phoenix, Memphis, and Dallas?

Eddie Sefko: Still believe it's Memphis and Dallas, in that order. But if the Mavericks beat Golden State tonight, then it's an open shot at six through eight. I just think Phoenix will stumble. But Jeff Hornacek, a good guy going back to his playing days, is a virtual lock for coach of the year if the Suns do make the playoffs and maybe even if they don't.

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